Michael at the Invasion of France 1943: Book Review

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During the heart of World War II, in 1942, Germany had invaded and occupied Paris. The French people live with hunger and fear, all while their families are torn apart by the Nazis. Thirteen year old, Michael watches in horror as the Germans take his 18-year-old brother by force to Germany as a prisoner-of-war. For many, including Michael’s friend Pierre, joining forces with the Nazis is safer than defending their beloved country.

However, Michael refuses to sit idly by while the Nazis invade his country. He joins the French Resistance. At first, Michael sticks to destroying German propaganda. Next he safely smuggles a Jewish child out of France. Eventually, this leads to more dangerous jobs of delivering documents and guiding American aviators to safe houses.When his friends, brothers François and Jacques are captured by the Nazis for aiding the enemy, Michael becomes more determined to save his country.

 The latest installment of the Boys of Wartime series, Michael at the Invasion of France 1943, offers a fictional look into actual events of World War II. Author, Laurie Calkhoven, builds intensity and suspense through action scenes which are appropriate for middle grade readers without being too violent. A gripping look at what it might have been like to be a French teenage boy during World War II. Recommended for boys who love historical fiction and war stories. I especially liked this book as it covered areas my grandfather defended in World War II. 


Publishing Information:

• Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
• Ages: 8-12, Grades: 3-7
• Pages: 240 
• ISBN: 978-0-8037-3724-2

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**Disclosure: Per FTC guidelines, I received an ARC copy of the book at no charge from the author. ARC copies have no monetary value. Regardless, my opinions are honest and not influenced by the author or publisher.